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Actually, Kuroneko was the one who called him out (the first email Kyousuke received was from her, asking him to wait for her behind the school at half-past three.

And the way they animated it...seems to confirm what I think Kuroneko's intention for calling him out there was...(or, at least, makes it a possibility).

Ah - I missed the first E-mail (forgot there was two; must not have been playing close enough attention). I guess that makes a bit more sense, and reinforces my over-riding thought that Kyousuke's actions were pretty confusing and it was good on Kuroneko to set things straight and put him on the right path. And yeah, it does raise the question of what she might of done had it not been for his rather-distressed state... but I tend to think her intention must have been to clear up the awkwardness evidenced by the first encounter by the stairs, since he seems to think he should keep his distance now and she didn't need him. She needed to make it clear that it wasn't that she needed him, but she was happy he was there for her. More than that at this juncture...? (A full confession...?) Well, who knows...

And the way they animated it...seems to confirm what I think Kuroneko's intention for calling him out there was...(or, at least, makes it a possibility).

Pretty sure if not for Kirino, KN's original intention would have happen already...

For the episode itself - It's mostly loyal to the novel...did take out "My Lovely Angel Ayase" though. And did anyone know if the chicken next to Botan (At least that's what I think it is...) on Ria's bed has any significance?

Other than that, well, in terms of series ending, it's not much, mainly b/c the story is just continuing. While Vol. 5 didn't left much cliffhanger for it to be a nice break point, it's not like you can wrap up the story there and say "that's the end...".

Of course, knowing how the anime, novel, etc. sell, Season 2 is just a matter of time. I thought for a moment that they'll actually announced Season 2 right there, but I guess it's still too early...(There are other chance, i.e. Vol. 8 DVD/Blu-Ray or even Novel Vol. 9...of course, I'm thinking that, since Fushimi would likely wrap the series up at Vol. 10 or so, that they may as well just end the anime and novel together...).

Last comment? I'll just repeat what many said...WHAT'S WITH THE JUMP AT THE END? This is not K-On...

Something I noticed, was it thanks to Kyousuke coming for her that Kirino found the resolve to beat Ria in the end?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maugomale

Yes yes, but the thing is I thought Kirino might have beaten her when she first arrived in America, before her health deteriorated. I even read your translation of chapter 4 of volume 5, but I guess my interpretation skills are lacking. I didn't get the hint when Kuroneko asked Kirino "when" she had beaten Ria, and failed to picture Kirino's newfound determination after Kyousuke's confession.

She said she wouldn't contact anyone back home until she won, so if she won on her first day why did she not contact anyone for months? It's obvious she didn't win until that last day.

And not having read the novels, I don't know if this is accurate but I'd say it's likely she won because, as she herself says, she used a "sneak attack". She was in her top condition due to being relaxed and not having worked out that day. Ria, however, had likely been running and practicing for a good 4-6 hours at that point. That or she tells Ria she's leaving and it bums her out so much she can't run properly.

I liked it as a last episode (for now). Got to wrap things up with Kirino and bring things back to normal a little bit. Though of course nothing is exactly as it used to be. Had a pretty nice Kirino so there should be a bit less to rant about her here. Think it was a good mix this episode of Kuroneko and Kirino

That was some curse that Kuroneko used there . Plus the insane blush on her face afterwards was just as worth it to see. She handled things really well when Kyousuke showed up looking pretty down. Still managed to slip in how he's made her happy and move things between them forward a little. Kyousuke is pretty dense so she can't just completely make things clear to him immediately without being even more forward.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GDB

She said she wouldn't contact anyone back home until she won, so if she won on her first day why did she not contact anyone for months? It's obvious she didn't win until that last day.

And not having read the novels, I don't know if this is accurate but I'd say it's likely she won because, as she herself says, she used a "sneak attack". She was in her top condition due to being relaxed and not having worked out that day. Ria, however, had likely been running and practicing for a good 4-6 hours at that point. That or she tells Ria she's leaving and it bums her out so much she can't run properly.

Yeah I assume her win ended up being something like that. I'd guess probably the case of her being fresh and challenging a pretty tired Ria. Even though it was hardly a fair victory no matter the tactic at least she had some kind of victory to walk away with.

Was kind of surprising to find out what was behind all the silence from Kirino. Originally it was a simple goal that wouldn't take too long to accomplish. But her best wasn't enough to beat the others there and here her talents hit a brick wall. Eventually just got harder and harder with each failure. Eventually not messaging was a combination of her internal challenge and just being unable to talk about what was going on. Add in being cut off from her anime and eroge while having a roomate and the strain just hit a critical point. Good thing she was convinced to come back. Sometimes you just need to admit defeat and retreat.

She said she wouldn't contact anyone back home until she won, so if she won on her first day why did she not contact anyone for months? It's obvious she didn't win until that last day.

And not having read the novels, I don't know if this is accurate but I'd say it's likely she won because, as she herself says, she used a "sneak attack". She was in her top condition due to being relaxed and not having worked out that day. Ria, however, had likely been running and practicing for a good 4-6 hours at that point. That or she tells Ria she's leaving and it bums her out so much she can't run properly.

Much to people's surprise here I bet, I didn't hate the episode. I was in fact going to even give it as high as an 8, maybe even 9 until Kyousuke broke down in tears. Yes, my problems with the episode had nothing to do with Kirino. In fact, my problems this episode are sorely directed at Kyousuke.

First and foremost, I understand the man has been trying to kid himself this whole time that he doesn't miss his sister and yada yada. However, where did all this pent up frustration come from? Maybe this is due to some serious pacing issues, but I never really got the impression that he was THAT lonely. He was having some genuinely good moments hanging out with Kuroneko in the last few episodes and was using her in a sense as a replacement for all the time he squandered pandering to his often very ungrateful sister.

I don't know. As someone who has a sibling, I didn't become that emotional or lonely just because of the eventual separation due to things like college. Unless this anime is going for some sort of incestual relationship (Which I still have to deny at all costs for my sanity, but really I don't get the impression that the story is going end up there). That's why I find it hard to believe that Kyousuke would actually break down in tears for someone whom really, just doesn't treat him that well. Not to mention she left in the first place without even saying a word.

Really, I just don't understand. Unless I interpret this relationship romantically, it comes off as overly melodramatic how they portrayed the scene. Again, I had no problems with Kirino herself. She was actually likable in this episode. I know sounds weird huh? Honestly, if this is how they portrayed her more often than not, I wouldn't have come so revolted with her in the previous episodes. Super bitch wasn't present here.

Kyousuke further criminalize himself this episode with the Kuronkeo scene. He didn't give her a fucknig answer? Are you frickne kidding me?!!!?

To paraphrase Senjogahara from Bakemonogatari, "I hate unclear relationships." It provides bad drama. It's annoying. It's the sort of plot I hate. They better not dance around this issue too long. Kyousuke lost some serious points with me here.

Other than that though, the episode was fairly solid. There were some genuine good moments. The narrative structure of these last episodes was consistent and led to an actual conclusion. Not bad.

I don't know. As someone who has a sibling, I didn't become that emotional or lonely just because of the eventual separation due to things like college. Unless this anime is going for some sort of incestual relationship (Which I still have to deny at all costs for my sanity, but really I don't get the impression that the story is going end up there). That's why I find it hard to believe that Kyousuke would actually break down in tears for someone whom really, just doesn't treat him that well. Not to mention she left in the first place without even saying a word.

After watching this episode, I really can't see the story going the incestuous route. I never really got the impression that Kyosuke had anything other than overprotective siscon feelings for Kirino. If it does go that route, it'd be a really strange shift in the overall tone of the series.

Wasn't much of a conclusion but it had its moments with Kuroneko and Kyousuke. She's right; he is pathetic (did Kirino kick his balls off?) On the other hand, at least Kuroneko has learned to tell the truth. That gave her a strong performance and made the first half great. That little peck makes it all the most worthwhile and the most you could ask out of Kyousuke. (Seriously man, if you're not gonna do anything, gtfo and quit hogging up space)

Then you had Kyousuke flying to America just for Kirino... lol you are one desperate mofo. Hey? Kirino's acting like a person for once. I'm shocked! Oh, it's just because she failed at track; oh well, it pleases me to see her brought down to earth and miserable. But still, she didn't crap up the show with her presence, so she gets a free pass as she goes see Memuru the movie 1st (lol @ shallow parody). And +1 for bashing Kyousuke for being a siscon.

It's unfortunate that Kyousuke is the one dragging it down this time.

It's also a pity Manami and Saori didn't get to do much, but episode was fine; just didn't really go that far. Maybe they really should have split this into 2.

Wasn't really expecting the Kyousuke - Kirino scene but I'm glad they did it. I guess since Kyousuke was getting very close to Kuroneko in the past episodes, they decided to put that scene to balance things out. I wish Kirino had shown a better reaction when she saw her brother at her door. I know she was definitely crying of happiness inside but still......
And although that might have been exagerated I kinda understand Kyousuke, I moved away too when I way in my teens and I missed my siblings a lot somedays. I guess it depends on how close you are with them. I'm sure that Kyousuke at that point, even though he would never admit it, had already developed a deep affection for Kirino.
Btw poor Kouhei, at least he is complaining to right guy.

A return to the status quo? Perhaps, but it was nice to see how much has changed since the first episode. Kyousuke, who was drifting through life with Manami now feels compelled to chase the sister he used to hate to America. After discovering her secret and choosing/being forced to involve himself in her affairs his life wasn't so ordinary anymore. He made friends with Kuroneko and Saori and began his gradual conversion to otakudom.

Then she decides to go, and he is left to live without her. Though she is no longer his connection to his new friends she has still managed to grab a place in his heart, maybe it was always there. Kyousuke copes and has a genuinely good time without her, but he still cant shake the feeling that something is missing. The message from Kirino forces him to acknowledge this and Kuroneko gives him the push to do something about it.

He finds her in a sad state and she confesses why she hasn't been communicating. Kyousuke decides to get her to come home not for her sake but for his. His proclamation that he might die seems to show his pent up frustration. It may be due to the as of yet unanimated scene showing the breakdown of their relationship, as the pictures in the OP and the short story in the dvd box shows she and him had a good relationship.

Enjoyed the series very much, but certainly the "love" that I did end up having for it is attributable mostly to Kuroneko and her development. What a great character she had been throughout the series.